Scavenger hunt!

Natural beauty can be seen everywhere. White fluffy clouds float above the playground, a spider's web flutters in a gentle wind, the moon sometimes graces the day sky, and flowers shoot up in a nearby garden.

You've heard me talk about the benefits of taking your children outside on nature walks. An added twist is to turn it into a scavenger hunt. A family scavenger hunt based on a nature-related theme could be launched over an afternoon, a weekend or even over a period of a week or two depending on the ages of your children. Each child could be assigned to find with his or her family two or three items, or children could be asked to describe and draw their observations.

Of course, you'll have to tailor the hunt to your environment - urban, rural, or suburban as well as region and season. Be creative and make the hunt an education adventure not only for the child, but also for parents and other family members.

When all the times are gathered, the children could put together an exhibit. Parents would be invited to visit at their convenience.

Or plan a family field trip to a nature setting (botanical gardens, nature center, state park, and other such places). Families could meet at the point of destination. Invite along a naturalist or an amateur naturalist to help identify and interpret the flora and fauna.

If the weather turns sour do a scavenger hunt inside the house. "Draw" a list (with the word next to your drawings) and have your children find the items. Have them discover things that they may have not noticed before. Maybe that plant that has white stripes down the leaves or the number of square windows in your house.

I hope you have fun with this idea. Have a great weekend!! :)